Fifa to pay Somali referee Artan full World Cup fee
Summary
Somali referee Omar Artan was not allowed into the United States to referee at the World Cup because of concerns raised by US immigration. Although he could not take part in the tournament, FIFA will still pay him his full referee fee.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a Somali football referee who has been a FIFA referee since 2018.
- He was denied entry to the US at Miami International Airport due to questions about his links to suspected terror group members.
- Artan was questioned for 11 hours before being sent back to Somalia via Turkey.
- Despite not participating in the World Cup, FIFA promised to pay him the full referee fee for the tournament.
- Artan was named Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year in 2025.
- He officiated major matches including the African Champions League final, U-20 World Cup in Chile, and Africa Cup of Nations.
- Artan plans to referee at the 2030 World Cup.
- He has been invited to referee the UEFA Super Cup match in August 2026 in Austria.
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